Scholarship and Award Winners

We are proud to announce Avery as the recipient of AMPAF’s $500 Continuing Education Scholarship!

Avery, a dedicated student at Studio C Dance Company in Aston, PA, has demonstrated remarkable perseverance, passion, and commitment to both her personal growth and her dance team—even in the face of personal adversity. AMPAF was truly inspired by Avery’s strength and determination, and we are honored to support her continued education in the performing arts.

Avery stated, "Dance has always been such a constant part of my life. Seeing myself grow as a dancer, teammate, and overall person continues to push me to give 110%. As a dancer who had recently experienced an injury, 110% means everything to me, as you never know when you will next dance again. Realizing not to take dance for granted, and how lucky I am that my parents support my dance, makes me appreciate dance so much more. "

Congrats, Avery!

AMPAF is proud to recognize our Essay Contest Runner-Ups! Congratulations to MacKenna and Laina, recipients of our "Get Your Gear Awards".  Both dancers were awarded a $50 giftcard to Motions Dance and Fitness Shoppe in Drexel Hill, PA, in honor of their thoughtful and inspiring submissions.

MacKenna and Laina study dance at Studio C Dance Company in Aston, PA, and we are thrilled to celebrate their passion and creativity!

Congrats, Mackenna and Laina!

Kayleigh receives her dance training from Edge Dance Center in Lumberton, NJ.  She was one of eight dancers to receive the "Yay Dance Award" given out during our fundraising event. This $250 scholarship will go towards Kayleigh's continued dance education and training.

"Dance has brought so much joy into my life. It's introduced me to some of my closest friends and has become my favorite way to stay active. It’s helped me grow more confident in myself & taught me the true value of teamwork, especially when working under pressure. Dance is more than just movement—it's where I feel my best." -Kayleigh

Congratulations Kayleigh!

Gabby was one of five dancers to receive the $100 "Get Your Gear Award" sponsored by My Dance Bag in Cherry Hill, NJ. Gabby receives her dance training from Jazz Hands Dance Academy in Clarksboro, NJ. 

Congrats, Gabby!

Evelyn receives her dance training from Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio in East Brunswick, NJ. She was one of five dancers to receive the $100 "Get Your Gear Award" sponsored by My Dance Bag in Cherry Hill, NJ. 

Congratulations, Evelyn!

Frankie was the recipient of one of eight "Yay Dance" awards given out during our fundraising event. This $250 scholarship will go towards Frankie's continued dance education and training. Frankie dances with the youth performance dance team, Philly Phresh Crew. She enjoys feeling the music and being able to interpret emotion through dance. 

Congrats, Frankie!

Arianna was one of four dancers selected from over 250 performers to win our Andrea Mychaels 110% Award. The 110% Award honors the high level of energy and passion Andrea gave on and off the stage. This $250 scholarship will go towards Arianna's continued dance education and training. Arianna receives her dance training from Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio in East Brunswick, NJ. 

Congrats, Arianna!

 Lacie and Carmen receive their dance training from Today's Dance Center in Medford, NJ. 

Lacie was one of five dancers to recieve a $100 "Get Your Gear Award" sponsored by Attitudes Dancewear in Marlton, NJ. Carmen was one of eight dancers to recieve our "Yay Dance" award. This $250 scholarship will go towards Carmen's continued dance education and training.

Congratulations, Ladies!

Emma receives her dance training from Dance Class in Clementon, NJ. She was one of eight dancers to receive our "Yay Dance" award. This $250 scholarship will go towards Emma's continued dance education and training.

Congratulations, Emma!

Sophia receives her dance training from Dance Class in Clementon, NJ. What an honor it is to receive AMPAF's 110% award! Sophia was one of four dancers selected out of hundreds to win this award. The 110% Award was created in loving memory of Andrea Mychaels who always gave 110% with her boundless energy, dedication, and drive.  This $250 scholarship will go towards Sophia's continuing dance education. 

Congrats Sophia!

Yolanda receives her dance training from Dance Class in Clementon, NJ. She was one of five dancers to recieve a $100 "Get Your Gear Award" sponsored by Attitudes Dancewear in Marlton, NJ. A big thank you to Attitudes Dancewear for their support!

Congratulations, Yolanda!

Among the 12 incredible dance companies who participated Philly Phresh Crew stood out and was presented with AMPAF’s Spirit Award in recognition of the kindness, professionalism, and strong sense of community they displayed throughout our fundraising performance event. At AMPAF, we strive to create a non-competitive space where support and inclusivity take center stage. Philly Phresh Crew beautifully embodied these values, and we are truly grateful for their uplifting presence. 

Thank you, Philly Phresh Crew, for your outstanding spirit and positive impact!

Zoey receives her dance education from Ovations Dance Studio in Oaklyn, NJ, where she has grown tremendously as a dancer over the past five years. We are proud to announce  she is the recipient of AMPAF's $500 Continuing Education Scholarship. We’re thrilled to support Zoey’s continued dance education and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes!

"Zoey consistently comes to class prepared, focused, and eager to grow as a dancer. She is a positive presence in the studio, always supportive of her teammates and fellow dancers. Over the past five years at our studio, Zoey has made remarkable progress—growing in skill, confidence, and artistry. Her dedication and love for dance are evident in every class and performance." - Rita Ogden, Ovations Director.

Congratulations, Zoey!

We are happy to announce that Quinn, a dedicated student at Today’s Dance Center in Medford, NJ, has been awarded a $500 Dance Education Scholarship.

Quinn earned this honor by submitting a heartfelt essay on the theme "What it means to give 110%"—a philosophy that was deeply important to Andrea, who believed in putting her whole heart into everything she did, both on and off the stage.

Quinn’s words reflected that same passion, commitment, and drive, embodying the very spirit of what this scholarship represents.

Well done, Quinn! We can’t wait to see where your dedication and love for dance take you next.

Quinn stated, "For me dance is a way to express myself and connect with others. Dance challenges me to grow and push myself past my limits. It brings me happiness and always lifts my mood."

Congratulations, Quinn!

We are excited to announce our Performing Arts Scholarship winnner, Josephine!

 Josephine is sixteen years old and attends The Center for Performing and Fine Arts School in Pennsylvania. In addition to her performance training, she is a duel enrollment student at Delaware County Community College working towards her associates degree in Liberal Arts. 

Josephine is a multifacted performer. In addition to her vocal studies, she plays guitar and piano.  Jo was awarded a $1000 scholarship to continue her performing arts education. She plans on using the funds to attend a performing arts camp over the summer, as well as a musical theater and dance class in the fall.

She stated, "The only time I truly feel like myself is onstage. Music allows me to be the happiest, hardest working, strongest version of myself. Performance is my passion. I wouldn’t know who I am without my art. Thank you to AMPAF for prioritizing art education, and creating a positive environment for young performing artists like myself."

Congratulations, Josephine!

Analise is eleven years old and receives her dance education from Edge Dance Center in Lumberton, NJ. She is a competitive dancer that studies Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Pointe & Ballet. She is extremely grateful to have been a part of the AMPAF's First Annual Scholarship Performance Fundraiser!

Analise stated, "It was an amazing event that highlighted all the things that make dance so special. It was a huge surprise to have been picked for both a $100 Attitudes Dancewear giftcard as well as a $500 scholarship to use towards my dance education! Dance means so much to me, and has helped build my personal confidence while also helping to maintain structure and discipline in my life. I am so happy to have made friends through dance that will last a lifetime. The dance community support is simply the best! I am so thankful for AMPAF!"

Congratulations, Analise!

Marissa receives her dance training from Studio C Dance Company in Aston, PA. She was one of four dancers to win our  110% Award. This award was created in loving memory of Andrea Mychaels who always gave 110% in all she did. In addition to the $250 scholarship, Marissa also received a $100 "Get Your Gear Award" sponsored by My Dance Bag in Cherry Hill, NJ. 

“Marissa is such a great student to have at our studio! Not only does she give it her all, she is also a great teammate both onstage and off and is always willing to help. We’re so proud of her being one of four students selected out of hundreds for this prestigious award honoring Andrea’s work ethic and commitment to dance!” -Studio C Directors

“Dance means everything to me, especially since I have been in love with this sport since I was three. It’s more than a sport to me. It is a way to express my feelings through movements without using my words. Whether I am performing contemporary, jazz, tap, or hip-hop, I love the adrenaline rush I get before entering the stage. It is a feeling that compares with no other. Dance has taught me discipline and dedication that I was able to apply to all aspects of my life. The countless hours in the studio has not only improved my dance skills, but also my work ethic. I will forever be grateful for the skills I have learned through dance and the opportunity to perform with my best friends.”  -Marissa

Congrats, Marissa!

Jocelyn began dancing at The Dance Factory in Glassboro, NJ when she was eight years old.  She was the recipient of one of eight "Yay Dance" awards given out during our fundraising event. This $250 scholarship will go towards Jocelyn's continued dance education and training.  

"It’s amazing to see how quickly Jocelyn has grown into such an extraordinary dancer.  Not only is she incredibly talented, but she’s also a wonderful role model, always encouraging younger dancers with her positive attitude. Her performances are captivating, and you can feel her joy and passion in every dance. Jocelyn, keep shining bright! You are truly an inspiration to us all!" - The Dance Factory Director

Nina also receives her dance training at The Dance Factory in Glassboro, NJ. She was awarded a $250 Dance Photography Session sponsored by  Jay S. Hamilton Photography. The photoshoot package includes the session fee, and 20+ images at a location of Nina's choosing. 

Congratulations to both Nina and Jocelyn!

Congratulations to Cora for winning our $500 "Dance Education" scholarship to continue her dance education and training. We also would like to congratulate Anna for winning our $100 "Get Your Gear Award" sponsored by My Dance Bag in Cherry Hill, NJ. Both Anna and Cora receive their dance training from Noelle's Dance Academy in Mantua, NJ.

Congratulations, Ladies!

Emma was one of five dancers to recieve a $100 "Get Your Gear Award" sponsored by Attitudes Dancewear in Marlton, NJ. Emma receives her dance training from Ovations Dance Studio in Oaklyn, NJ. 

"Dance makes me happy. It means meeting new teachers and learning more. It is a chance to express your feelings. I am excited to see what is to come, like an adventure. Thank you SO much ! I’m really excited. This means a lot to me. -Emma

Congrats, Emma!.

Franny receives her dance training from Ovations Dance Studio in Oaklyn, NJ. She was one of four dancers selected during our event to win our 110% Award. The 110% Award was created in loving memory of Andrea Mychaels who always gave 110% with her boundless energy, dedication, and drive.  This $250 scholarship will go towards Franny's continuing dance education.

Congratulations, Franny! 

Unique was the recipient of AMPAF's $250 scholarship awarded during our scholarship performance fundraising event. Unique will use these funds to help support her dance education and training. She dances with Philly Phresh Crew (PPC) a youth dance team that performs throughout the tri-state region. 

Congrats, Unique!

Tessa receives her dance training from Janice's Danceworks in Ridley Park, PA. She was one of eight recipients of AMPAF's "Yay Dance" award. This $250 scholarship will go towards Tessa's continued dance education and training.  

Tessa stated, "I was 3 years old when I started to dance. My favorite genre of dance is Modern because it feels different than other types of dance, and I feel strong when I do it. I love dance because it is an escape from stressful things in my life like schoolwork. I also love it because I get to spend time with my friends. I have made my closest friends through dance. "

Congrats, Tessa!

Juliet receives her dance training from Janice's Danceworks in Ridley Park, PA. She was one of eight recipients of AMPAF's "Yay Dance" award. This $250 scholarship will go towards Juliet's continued dance education and training.